Written by Peter Brooker in Food & Drink on the 14th September 2017

Chivas Regal has unveiled plans to bring back The Blend to 133 Bethnal Green on 2nd October during London Cocktail Week. The Blend is an informative 45-minute experience hosted by Chivas Regal whisky experts and gives you the opportunity create your own bespoke, blended whisky in an intimate and captivating setting. You'll be able to take your own bespoke bottle home, after giving it a witty and totally unrepeatable name of course.

MenswearStyle where invited down to Searcys at the Gherkin to preview the 'Art of Blending' experience that was curated by Phil Huckle, UK brand ambassador for Chivas Regal and Single Malts. Before we get into what you can expect from the night, a little history on blended whisky for the uninitiated.

Blended whisky is made up of single grain whisky and single malt whiskies. Some Chivas Regal blends are composed from 30 different types of whiskies. The true art of blending comes with getting the smoothness and flavour in harmony. Single grain is considered smooth although a little uninteresting in flavour. The single malt brings the flavour but also the hard edges so it's the blenders job to create something that is bigger than the sum of its parts. The Art of Blending session will give you the opportunity to sample different malts and flavours varying from creamy, soft smoke, citrus, fruit and floral.

Floral - this will be the grain whisky and typically all the blends will have a 50% share of grain. This is the base from which the other liquids sit. 

Citrus - You'll detect some lemon and Seville orange notes. 

Creamy - This will be rich, full bodied. Warmer on the nose and palette than the others. 

Soft Smoke - Not heavily peated. It doesn't have the presence of something in the higher peat scale like a Laphroaig or an Octomore - it sat on the middle of the palette. I prefer a peated whisky but if you're looking to blend then you have to know your audience (i.e. the other malts). You might want to reign in the dosage. 

Fruity - These will present the sweet notes. Orchard fruits such as apple and pears.

You'll also have the opportunity to try some exclusive Chivas cocktails such as the Chivas Ice Breaker - a unique flavoured ice to personalise your Chivas sour. If this years Art of Blending experience is anything like last year’s convivial affair at the Truman Brewery in Brick Lane, then I imagine tickets will sell fast. Visitors to The Blend at 133 Bethnal Green can also expect a vibrant DJ set and bespoke art installations as well as an awesome array of local food vendor partnerships. First release for tickets for 45 minutes Art of Blending experiences start at £20 for two.

We visit Searcys at the Gherkin for a Chivas Regal 'The Art of Blending' tasting session with UK brand ambassador Phil Huckle.